American singer songwriter Ed Prosek has appeared on this blog once before. Way back in 2019 Jane featured his track Light As A Feather. Now it’s my turn to run the rule over some of his music. His new EP is called The Foreigner and explores identity and belonging over six tracks.
By Graeme Smith
Ed was born in California and is now based in Berlin, Germany. He has a Czech father and an Italian mother, and those roots influence his music. He started his career at the age of eight, studying classical trumpet until the age of 20. He received his formal education at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and then arrived in Berlin via a stint here in the UK. He’s released three EPs prior to this one.
The Foreigner opens with Hallelujah . It begins gently with a soft acoustic guitar arrangement and Ed’s soulful vocals. The lyrics paint a melancholic story tempered by hopeful notes especially during a soaring chorus that is almost ecclesiastical. The track builds to a big finish with the emotion ramped up to eleven. It’s a powerful start.
Man Overboard is a delicate track. There’s an intimacy to its acoustic arrangement and Ed’s vocals are stunningly compelling. The lyrics tell a story of never fully fitting in, something that Ed has always felt on his travels. Ever After is a romantic number written for a wedding. It’s cantering instrumentals show a livelier side of Ed’s sound but none of the authentic emotion is lost from its lyrics. It’s a highlight.
Vertigo keeps things upbeat with plucked strings and driving percussion yet its lyrical story remains introspective. Title track The Foreigner is a brooding track with autobiographical lyrics that are rich with imagery and a sense of place. They revisit the themes introduced in Man Overboard cementing the story of the EP. Tell A Lie closes the EP in a bright way with lilting instrumentals and some beautiful vocal harmonies. It’s the perfect sign off.
The Foreigner takes us on a captivating and emotional journey which is perfectly articulated by Ed. His classical training has given him an ear for song writing and the authentic storytelling in his lyrics are utterly compelling. It’s so great to have him back on the blog after all these years. If you haven’t heard his music before you’re in for a treat. You can check out The Foreigner below.
